Curtin Malaysia’s new course in computing featuring software engineering and cyber security streams

Miri – 11 July 2018 – This July and August, in conjunction with its Semester 2 intake, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) will see the first enrolments in its new 3-year Bachelor of Science (Computing) programme featuring a choice of two streams – Software Engineering and Cyber Security.

Dean of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Professor Ir. Lau Hieng Ho, said the course and streams are very future-driven, taking innovative approaches to software engineering and cyber security to help students stay ahead of the curve. They are also designed to meet current industry and market demands.

The Bachelor of Science (Computing) – Software Engineering takes an engineering approach to building software which, according to Dr. Ling Huo Chong, programme coordinator of the Faculty’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is the application of a systematic, disciplined and quantifiable approach to the development, operation and maintenance of software.

“It is about creating high-quality software in a systematic, controlled and efficient manner, adding a new dimension to software development and the development of software-based systems in the rapidly evolving information and communications technology industry,” he said.

It aims to produce graduates who are well versed in the principles of design, measurement and analysis applied in the context of software-based systems development. Students will receive a strong foundation in computer science, with further emphasis on software requirements gathering, design, implementation and testing.

Career prospects in the field include work as software engineers, software developers, games developers, systems analysts and web applications developers.

The Bachelor of Science (Computing) – Cyber Security, meanwhile, is an excellent springboard to a successful career as a cyber security specialist in the rapidly evolving information and communications technology industry.

The course focuses on the key concepts and challenges in data and resource protection and computer software security. Students will examine both the high-level and low-level practical aspects of computer security and develop skills in identifying appropriate applications for specific scenarios.

Dr. Lenin Gopal, Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said cyber security can be an important factor for business growth in the new era of digital economy.

He said that due to the increasingly pervasive nature of modern computing in Malaysia, cyber security can play a significant part in creating a more competitive and secure business environment, adding that there is already a high level of awareness and interest in cyber security in the country.

“Experts in the field are needed to create more effective, innovative and competitive cyber security solutions and work towards a safer cyber community. With the continual adoption of new technology, innovation and business practices, the need for cyber security to protect networks, computers, programmes and data from attack, damage and unauthorised access will be even greater,” he said.

“Graduates can find employment as computer security experts such as cyber security analysts, forensic computer analysts, software developers, IT analysts and web application developers in many different organisations.”

Also new next semester are a 4-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons.) in Construction Management, and separate Foundation streams in Engineering and Science. The Faculty of Humanities’ Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication) has also seen the introduction of a new journalism stream.

Coming in the first semester of 2019 will be a new Master of International Business, Bachelor of Commerce in Management and Human Resource Management, and Master of Commerce in Marketing.

For more details on the latest courses, visit courses.curtin.edu.my, or email enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

Bachelor of Science (Computing) featuring two streams – Software Engineering and Cyber Security.

Professor Ir. Lau Hieng Ho, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Dr Ling Huo Chong, Programme Coordinator, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Dr Lenin Gopal, Head, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.